[DNA flow cytometry of malignant melanoma of the choroid]

Thirty-five choroidal melanomas were analyzed by flow cytometry. DNA euploidy, aneuploidy and polyploidy were found in approximately 54, approximately 46, and approximately 20% of the tumors, respectively. No correlation between histological type and ploidy was found. The synthesis phase was irregular in approximately 25 and approximately 38% of the spindle and the mixed cell melanomas, respectively. The G2M peak was broadened in approximately 50% and in approximately 23% of the spindle and the mixed cell melanomas. About 20% of the malignant melanomas were highly proliferative. In 25% of the melanomas chemotherapy seemed to be useful.